This episode is belatedly dedicated to the release of Scarlet and Violet, as well as the release of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero.

Episode 157: Future Shock

Brenda laughs. "Get a load of this one!" She, Ash, and Brock are sitting at a table in a restaurant. Brenda is reading from a magazine. "Enigmas of Paldea, File Number Seven—Iron Jugulis: Pokémon or Machine!? This flying life-form bearing a resemblance to Hydreigon has been seen in a certain corner of Paldea. It was reported to have razed an entire building with a high-energy blast, then flown off as if to find its next objective. Iron Jugulis is theorized to be a sort of machine-Hydreigon hybrid, as it combines the former's ruthlessness with the latter's ferocity. It takes its name from a similarly described entity in the Violet Book."

Ash, between mouthfuls, points out, "You really shouldn't be bothering with that. It's all junk."

Brenda glares critically at Ash. "This magazine is talking about what could be a super-rare, one-of-a-kind Pokémon, and you're being the skeptical one?"

Ash shrugs as he continues to eat.

Brock comments, "I agree with Ash. Those tabloid magazines tend to be all fiction and little fact."

Brenda objects, "But it says right here that witnesses have seen it. They wouldn't lie about that."

"Maybe some people thought they saw it."

Ash posits, "It could have been a regular Hydreigon. Those are plenty ruthless to begin with."

Brenda shakes her head. "No. I don't think so. Besides, it's not just stuff that Occulture is making up. Here's a passage taken directly out of the Violet Book, a direct firsthand account of the expedition into The Great Crater of Paldea." She pauses, then reads, "A member of the survey team captured this photograph by chance. I notice a passing resemblance to the Pokémon known as Donphan, yet differences such as its texture and the way it moves suggest it is biologically separate—to say nothing of its treads of iron." She looks back up to Ash and Brock. "Another robotic Pokémon. This one spotted by a well-equipped team of scientific researchers and experienced explorers. If that's not a trustworthy account, I don't know what is."

Brock nods slowly. "If I remember correctly, the Violet Book was written about a hundred years ago. They wouldn't have even known what a robot was."

Brenda grins. "Exactly! That's why them describing a Donphan with iron treads is significant! What reason would they have to make up the concept of a robot Pokémon when they didn't even know what robots were?"

Ash admits, "That is a good point."

Brenda asks, "You've probably been to Paldea, haven't you, Ash? Didn't you see anything that might imply these robot Pokémon could exist?"

Ash glances at Brenda for a moment, then says sarcastically, "This might come as a surprise, but I haven't been to every region in the world." He ponders something for a moment. "Paldea... Maybe I'll have to go someday... If only I get the chance..."

Ash's contemplations are interrupted when Brock's Pokéssistant starts ringing. He glances at its holographic display and says, "Hey, it's Professor Oak calling." He taps the display and a holographic image of Professor Oak appears.

Ash greets, "Professor!"

Oak smiles. "Ash, Brock, Brenda. Good to speak to you again. I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Ash shakes his head. "Nothing important."

Brenda speaks up, "Professor Oak, maybe you could settle something for us. Have you heard of the rumors of super futuristic robotic Pokémon found in the Paldea Region?"

Professor Oak starts laughing.

Brenda crosses her arms resentfully. "Geeze. No need to be so rude about it. I don't think it's that silly…"

Oak shakes his head. "I'm sorry. That's not why I was laughing. I was laughing because of the coincidence. You see, I had a favor to ask of you three."

Ash asks, "A favor?"

"Yes. A colleague of mine was hoping to get in contact with some Tenno scientists at Violetech Labs. He's not able to leave his lab right now, but perhaps you could help him out. You are close to the labs, after all."

Ash questions, "Violetech Labs? What's that?"

"Violetech Labs is the research facility in this city that's creating artificial Pokémon entirely from scratch. They claim that robot Pokémon created by people are the future! You'd be doing my colleague a huge favor, and I'm sure you'd enjoy the visit yourselves."

Ash nods. "Of course we can do that, Professor."

"Splendid! I'll pass along your number and my colleague will call you shortly. You know, I must admit, it's been many years since I've heard from this colleague. I'm a bit curious as to why he's reaching out now. But that's neither here nor there. Thank you all. Talk to you soon." He hangs up.

Brenda grins. "See? They're making robot Pokémon! I told you they must exist!"

Brock says, "I guess we'll just have to see for ourselves. If anyone knows anything about this so-called 'Iron Jugulis,' it would be the scientists at that lab."

As they prepare to leave, they fail to notice that the next booth down from them has Team Rocket hiding their faces behind menus as they listen in.

Ash, Brock, and Brenda walk on a road leading up a hill. Atop the hill is a sprawling high-tech facility. Having at last heard of the rumors of robotic Pokémon that have been circulating for some time now, our heroes have decided to visit a robotics lab not only as a favor to Professor Oak's colleague, but also to see if they can learn anything more for themselves. Better late than never.

As they walk, Ash spots something ahead. "Hey! What's that?"

A small Pokémon on wheels comes rolling down the hills towards them. It notices them, then moves faster towards them. Then it drives in circles excitedly around them. The Pokémon appears like a Varoom, but more high-tech and shinier. Instead of the motor block on its top is a rectangular battery. The skull hood ornament on its front has been replaced by a small satellite dish. Its lower half is made of metal instead of rock, with its tires being proper rubber tires. It has no exhaust pipe, and instead, a cord with a plug trails behind it.

"Varoooooooom!"

Ash activates the Pokédex. "Varoom, Tennoan Form, the Single-Bat Pokémon and a Steel and Electric Combo-Type. With advancements in battery technology, Tennoan Varoom can be powered entirely by its rechargeable battery. Despite this, it can still match standard Varoom in terms of speed and power. Evolves into Roveroom at level 40.

Brock laughs. "I wonder what has this little guy so excited."

Brenda suggests, "Maybe it doesn't get that many guests."

Brock's Pokéssistant rings. He answers, "Hello?"

A hologram appears of a man wearing a lab coat over a futuristic jumpsuit. His angular face features a full beard, and his hair is shaven along the sides. The man greets, "Hello. This is Ash, trainer ID 131017, Brock, trainer ID 06845, and Brenda, trainer ID 696190, correct?"

Ash, Brock, and Brenda glance at each other in bewilderment for a moment. Ash responds, "I've never bothered to memorize my trainer ID, but I'm Ash, and this is Brock and Benda."

The man nods. "I am Professor Turo."

Brock asks, "So you must be Professor Oak's colleague, right?"

"That is correct. My thanks to you for agreeing to be my eyes and ears in Tenno. You see, I am unable to leave my research lab at the moment, but it is most important that I witness the technology at Violetech Labs as close to in-person as possible."

Brenda asks, "Hey, Professor, you come from Paldea, right? What do you think about those rumors of robotic Pokémon?"

Ash groans.

Turo pauses momentarily, then says, "No, it is a good question. It is good to question that which can not be understood. That is how we progress into the future. I would say that if such a robotic Pokémon did exist, it would be the pinnacle of scientific achievement. It would be a treasure to be guarded. It would be the makings of a paradise."

Ash questions, "A paradise?"

Before Ash can get Turo to elaborate, someone from the direction of the lab shouts, "Varoom!? Where'd you go!?"

"Varoooom!" The Pokémon stops circling around Ash, Brock, and Brenda and drives uphill to the approaching scientist.

Turo promptly announces, "The scientists of Violetech are not to know that we are in contact. Keep this communication a secret. I shall reach out to you when you are once again alone."

Ash is bewildered. "Wait…what…but how will you know when we're alone—" Turo has already hung up. "Why does he want this to be kept a secret?"

Brock shrugs. "There's something off about that guy, but I can't put my finger on it."

Ash shrugs back. "Well, Professor Oak trusts him. That's enough for me."

The scientist running down the hill stops when Varoom makes it to him. "There you are. You've got to stop running off like that." He looks up to Ash and the others. "Oh, you must be the guests with the appointment for the tour." He's a tall man with dark hair that's combed back neatly. Not dissimilarly to Turo, he wears a lab coat over a jumpsuit.

Ash hesitates. "We didn't make any appointments."

The scientist pauses. "Are you Ash, Brock, and Brenda?"

Ash nods. "That's us."

"Then someone else must have made the appointment for you, because I just checked the list before coming out here."

Brock says, "Okay, then show us the way."

"Certainly. Dr. Asimov, at your service. I am the leader of this research lab. I'll be giving you the tour today."

The lab is a high-tech facility full of state-of-the-art machinery. Asimov explains as he leads the group, "Here at Violeteh Labs, we believe that the future begins today, and Pokémon are the key. But we refuse to believe the notion that Pokémon are perfect as they are. One of our missions is to create a better Pokémon. A wholly artificial Pokémon."

Ash asks, "Like Varoom?" He beckons to the Pokémon that happily weaves in between their legs.

Asimov shakes his head. "No. The standard Varoom is an organic Pokémon that chose to inhabit an artificial machine. Our experiments have made the Pokémon more efficient and environmentally friendly with upgrades to the technology it inhabits, but it is still a natural Pokémon, albeit one augmented by man. What I speak of is a living Pokémon created entirely by human science."

Brenda asks, "What about the sightings of robotic Pokémon in Paldea? Are those what you want to build?"

Asimov hesitates for a split moment. "I believe you are referring to the tabloid garbage spouted by Occulture? Don't believe any of that Lechonk wash. Unless you also wish to believe that the Chairman of the Galar League is secretly harboring alien life, because Occulture claims that as well."

Ash laughs, "That does sound pretty crazy."

Brenda sighs.

Asimov turns around. "Now, next I'll be showing you—" He's interrupted by a beeping chime on a wrist unit he wears. "Oh? My apologies, but something just came up that I must attend to. Please wait here. I will be back shortly." He briskly walks away. Varoom follows.

Brock comments, "That was odd."

Ash teases, "Maybe Brenda asking a respectable scientist about a tabloid magazine scared him off."

Brenda pouts at Ash.

Turo suddenly appears in the flesh in front of them. "Greetings."

They jump back in surprise. Ash asks, "Professor Turo? How'd you get here?"

"As a matter of fact, I am not here, per say. This is but a hologram. I previously hacked into the facility and have been watching your progress via security camera feed. Now that Asimov has been distracted, I needed to speak to you three."

Brock questions, "Wait, does that you mean you caused the distraction?"

Turo nods. "We have precisely 34.2 seconds until Dr. Asimov reaches the computer room and finds that nothing is awry, and then another 40.8 seconds until he returns to within earshot of this conversation. There is no time to waste. I need you to ensure that Asimov shows you whatever his most recent project is. There are no security cameras in the room where he keeps this work, so I cannot see it myself unless he moves it to a less secure area, which he would do for the sake of the tour."

Ash objects, "Wait, what's up with all this spy stuff? Why can't you just explain to him why you need to see his research?"

Turo crosses his arms. "I suspect that there is something more than meets the eyes to this lab. It hides something…dangerous." Suddenly, he's gone.

Asimov announces, "Sorry about that, kids. False alarm. I'm not really sure how that happened."

"It's okay! We're just happy to get to the tour!"

Everyone looks to the source of the voice. Three newcomers stand next to Ash, Brock, and Brenda. They all wear school uniforms, each from a different school. The blue-haired man wears a uniform featuring a white shirt, purple shorts, a purple tie, and a sun hat. The red-haired womans wears a similar uniform but with orange instead of purple. The short one wears a snappier uniform with a formal white long-sleeved shirt, a red ascot, and blue pants.

Asimov looks to them with confusion. "And…who are you…?"

The man says, "Why we're a part of your tour group, of course. Duh."

"The tour group only had three. And you three weren't here before. How'd you even get here?"

The woman responds, "We were always here. You need to get your eyes checked out if you didn't see us."

Asimov shakes his head in dismay. "Oh, whatever." He glances at the man in the purple uniform. "I'll always have a soft spot for Uva Academy students. It was my alma mater." He sneers at the woman in the orange uniform. "Though I question what you'd be doing traveling with a Naranja..." He shrugs and turns back around. "Come along. We'll continue the tour."

The three newcomers all glance with devious delight at each other before following. They are, in fact, Team Rocket.

As they walk, Ash asks, "Dr. Asimov, we were hoping you could show us your most recent project. You know, whatever your furthest step on the path to creating an artificial Pokémon is."

Asimov glances back at Ash as he considers something.

James adds, "It would really help me out in my advanced robotics course back at the academy. I just know it."

Asimov grins with nostalgia. "Ah, I remember the course well. This wouldn't normally be a part of the public tour, but I don't see why I can't show it to you. Follow me." He suddenly changes his path and takes a turn down a new corridor.

Varoom struggles to make the sudden turn and bumps into a wall, before backing away from it and making the remainder of the turn, then speeding up to catch up with Asimov.

Who's that Pokémon!?

It wears a fearsome mask and is known as an evil ogre in the land of Kitakami. It was stopped by the Loyal Three.

As Asimov leads them forward, they pass by a reinforced door with several "No Entry" and "Authorized Personnel Only" signs plastered to and around it.

Jessie asks, "What's that way? It looks…foreboding…"

Asimov answers sternly, "It is nothing of your concern. The area is too dangerous for untrained personnel." Loud crashing and thudding noises echo out from the door. Asimov quickly adds, "There's also some dangerous work being done there."

James whispers to Jessie, "The Doctor doth hide something, methinks."

Jessie whispers back sarcastically, "Youthinks?"

After leading them a little further, Asimov stops. Varoom keeps moving for several moments before realizing that everyone else has stopped, then stops itself.

Asimov speaks into his wrist unit, "Okay, bring them out."

A large door behind Asimov begins to slide open. "I present to you the pinnacle of robotic science. The world's first entirely robotic Pokémon."

Behind the door are two Pokémon. One is a Tennoan Golurk, the other is another robot which looks much more like a Golett. It is very boxy in design, with the various segments that compose its short body being almost entirely square. Much like Tennoan Golurk, it gives the impression of an old-fashioned toy robot. Both Pokémon stand completely still with their usually glowing eyes dimmed.

Ash smiles. "Hey, it's a Tennoan Golurk! Just like Leo had."

Asimov is bewildered. "You've seen Golurk 2.0 before?"

Ash nods. "Yeah, our friend Leo had one as a partner. He's a part of Team Planetary."

Asimov nods in understanding. "Ah. Yes. That makes more sense. Team Planetary does the field testing for our robots."

Ash looks to the other Pokémon. "But I haven't seen that one before."

His Pokédex says, "Golett, Tennoan Form, the Automaton Pokémon and a Steel and Electric Combo-Type. Though it is powered by a state-of-the-art modern generator, it still can't put out as much energy as the ancient source employed by regular Golett. Evolves into Tennoan Golurk at level 43."

Asimov glares at Ash's Pokédex. "It looks like our PR people may have jumped the gun if they're handing out Pokédex entries to whoever makes the things."

Brock asks, "So it's Violetech Labs that made both Tennoan Golett and Golurk?"

Asimov nods. "We were inspired by the ancient construction of Golett and Golurk 1.0. Both Pokémon, through means completely lost to us, were built by the hands of ancient people. We decided, if we were to create an entirely robotic Pokémon, what better way to start would there be than to recreate an already artificial Pokémon?"

Brenda questions, "Wait…wouldn't that mean the original Golett and Golurk are actually the first robot Pokémon?"

Asimov chuckles. "You could argue that, but let's be honest here. When you think robots, you think electrical power and metal. Not mystical energy and clay."

Brock looks the Pokémon over carefully. "They are amazing pieces of machinery. It's like Pokémon and technology have been wholly merged."

Asimov smiles proudly. "That is precisely what we've done. You're looking at the future here. In fact—" He's cut off by an alert from his wrist piece. "Not again." He glances at it. "I'm sorry, but I'll have to leave you once more. Hopefully something more substantial pulls me away this time." He hurries off.

Once he's gone, Meowth comments, "Well…I…um…have to go use the restroom!"

Jessie adds, "Yeah, me too!"

They both look to James. James shakes his head. "Nah. I'm good. I went before we started the—" Jessie and Meowth glare at him. "I mean, yeah! I'll go too!" The three run off.

Once all others are gone, Turo appears again. He looks over the two robotic Pokémon before him. "Marvelous. Such majestic creatures. I had heard the rumors, but I did not think it possible." He steps closer to them.

Brenda asks, "Professor Turo, is there any chance these Pokémon are the source of the Occulture rumors?"

Turo is absolutely enraptured by the robots and doesn't immediately answer. When he does, he says, "No, these are a whole different breed."

Ash questions, "What does that mean?"

Turo pauses, then answers, "It is my speculation that the Occulture robot Pokémon—if they exist—are in fact Pokémon that have time traveled from the future to the present."

Brock questions skeptically, "Time travel?"

Ash points out, "It's not that crazy. I've already time traveled twice in Tenno alone."

Turo abruptly turns to face Ash. "You've time traveled!? To when? The future? Did you see the robotic Pokémon that inhabit it? Was it a paradise?" His head twitches several times in an almost machine-like way.

Ash is quickly overwhelmed. He shakes his head frantically. "Sorry, no. I only traveled to the past."

Turo quickly regains his composure. "Oh. The past. I see." He returns his attention to Tennoan Golurk. "I had heard rumors of what Violetech had created. As well as rumors of something they had discovered. I needed to investigate the veracity of these rumors for myself. I see now that my concerns were unfounded. But still, to see such majestic creatures created in this modern age does bring joy to me."

It's Ogrepon!

Jessie, James, and Meowth have snuck their way back to the off-limits door. Jessie carefully knocks on the door a few times. A second later, and the response is a combination of loud crashing and thrashing. "Yeah, that's not regular work. Something strange is going on back there."

Meowth agrees, "And we'll soon find out what." He uses his claws to remove a panel from the wall. He reaches into the interior of the wall, cuts a few wires, then reconnects them. The door slides open.

Team Rocket steps into the forbidden room with anticipation. Once inside, they find themselves facing a large glass cube in the center of a large chamber. Inside of the glass cube is a Pokémon bound by restraints. The glass wall looks damaged in several areas. While it is clearly not actual glass and is instead something resistant to cracking, cracks have still somehow formed.

Team Rocket stare at the imprisoned Pokémon with interest. Jessie asks, "What is it…?"

James asks, "A…Hydreigon…?"

Meowth shakes his head. "No…it's something else…something more…"

As if noticing them for the first time, the Pokémon's head snaps up as it stares at them intensely. No matter how similar it appears, it's not a Hydreigon at all, but rather a robotic version of one. It's Iron Jugulis.

The Pokémon lets out a loud and piercing shriek that sounds electronically generated.

James covers his ears as he asks, "Meowth, what's it saying!?"

Meowth, also covering his ears, shakes his head, "I don't know! It's all a bunch of electronic mumbo-jumbo!"

Iron Jugulis thrashes about every which way as it continues to shriek. The purple lights that cover parts of its body glow intensely. An alarm goes off as the restraints on the Pokémon begin to strain beyond their limits.

Ash, Brock, and Brenda look around in surprise when the alarm goes off. Brock asks, "Professor Turo, you're in their systems. Do you know what's going on?"

Turo shakes his head. "I do not. That information is hidden from me. There is an extremely powerful firewall blocking all of my attempts to find out." Then Turo disappears as Asimov comes running in.

Asimov urges, "You kids have to leave, now!"

Ash demands, "What's going on?"

"Somebody broke into an off-limits area of the lab, and now we're all in danger! Get out of here!"

Ash insists, "We can help! Please. We want to help!"

Asimov hesitates. "I…" Then shakes his head in frustration. "Fine. If what I fear is happening happens, then I'll need all the help I can get. Come on!" He runs off with Varoom speeding ahead of him. Ash, Brock, and Brenda follow.

They make it to the off-limits room to find Team Rocket, still in disguise, in front of the glass prison.

Asimov demands, "You three! What are you doing here!?"

Jessie cackles. "Prepare for trouble, future or past!"

James joins in her laughing. "Make it double, time travels fast!"

"To remember an era that's bygone!"

"To look ahead and see brand new dawn!"

"To find the land dinosaurs would trot!"

"To invent the newest kind of robot!"

"Striking Scarlet! Jessie!" Jessie casts aside her school uniform to reveal her regular outfit.

"Vaunted Violet! James!" James does the same.

"Team Rocket blasts off no matter the time!"

"Past or future, we're always in our prime!"

"Meowth, that's right!"

"Wobbuffet!"

"Mime mime!"

Asimov shouts, "That didn't explain anything! Don't tell me you three students joined those wretched Team Star delinquents! You would have had such bright futures ahead of you!" He glances at Jessie, "Okay, maybe not you at Naranja..."

Jessie demands, "Did you not just hear the motto? We're Team Rocket! Not Star! Get your space terms right!"

Meowth questions, "Wait, first Team Planetary, and now Team Star? Did our trademark expire and nobody told us, or what?"

James adds, "And we were never students! School is for chumps!"

Any further questioning is interrupted by another electronic screech from Iron Jugulis.

Asimov freezes up. "Oh no…"

Brenda cranes her neck to see around Team Rocket. "What is that!? Is that what I think it is!?"

Jessie laughs. "Dr. Asimov, you were holding out on us. Why wouldn't you show us this as part of your tour?" She steps aside to fully reveal Iron Jugulis, which seems closer than ever to breaking out from the restraints.

Ash gasps. "A robot Hydreigon! It does exist!"

Asimov steps back in terror. "You three do not know the mistake you have made. By enraging Iron Jugulis, you have spelt doom for us all…"

There's a sudden crack as Iron Jugulis rips apart the last of its restraints. Once free, it slams itself into the glass wall, causing it shatter spectacularly. The robotic Pokémon roars upon at last gaining its freedom. It begins to fire off Hyper Beams rapidly from its two arm-heads. The intense beams destroy everything they touch.

Turo appears and demands, "Asimov! What have you done!? Bringing that future Pokémon away from Area Zero was a mistake!"

Asimov gasps. "Pro-Professor Turo!?"

Turo turns to Ash. "You three have to stop it! Now! It pains me to say this of such a majestic creature but stop it by any means necessary. If left unchecked it could destroy first this lab, then the city, then possibly the region."

Ash nods. "Right." He and Pikachu ready themselves for a fight.

James rubs his hands together. "This is perfect! Iron Jugulis and Pikachu will wear each other out, and we'll have two ultra powerful Pokémon to deliver to The Boss."

But before they can see their plan come to fruition, a Hyper Beam from Iron Jugulis blasts them from behind and sends them flying. They shout in despair, "We're blasting off again!"

Ash orders, "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

"Pikaaaaa chuuuuu!" While Iron Jugulis is looking away, Pikachu strikes it with its strongest lightning. But it seems to have little effect. Iron Jugulis doesn't even seem to notice as it continues its destructive rampage.

Brock thinks aloud, "Iron Jugulis is robotic Hydreigon, so that means that Dragon-Types will be strong match-up! Go, Guardgoyle! Use Dragon Claw!"

"Goyle!" Guardgoyle jumps at Iron Jugulis to slash with its claws, but it's knocked aside by the robot's tail.

Turo bluntly explains, "Iron Jugulis is not Hydreigon. It is a different Pokémon entirely. It does not have the same weaknesses."

Iron Jugulis aims its arm-heads at the roof and moves them both in counter-circle motions to cut a perfectly circular hole through the roof. It collapses and the Pokémon flies up through the hole.

Asimov shouts, "It escaped!"

Turo orders, "Chase after it! Contain it at all costs!"

Everyone runs for a hole in the wall left by the destruction that leads outside.

The rampage has continued outside. Much of the lab now looks structurally compromised.

Turo stares intensely at the rampaging machine. He asks himself under his breath, "How is such a perfect creature capable of such destruction? A world of these future Pokémon should be a paradise… That is what I—no, he—what he believed… But how could a paradise ever come from such wanton destruction…?" Briefly, the whites of his eyes turn black and his pupils and irises glow blue. "This…does not…compute… It is a…paradox…"

Brenda shouts, "The city! We have to stop it before it sees the city!"

Ash shouts, "If direct attacks won't work, let's try something else! Pikachu, capture it with Electroweb!"

Pikachu flings an electric net from its tail that ensnares Iron Jugulis. It seems like it might work for a moment, but then the robotic Pokémon rips its way free and continues to rampage.

Ash shakes his head in dismay. "We're not strong enough! That thing can shrug off anything we throw at it."

Turo looks to Asimov. "Asimov, do you still have that item I gave you?"

Asimov knows exactly what he means. "Yes. I do."

"Give it to Ash. Now."

Asimov nods. "Ash, catch!" He throws something to Ash.

It's a small, black ball that is reminiscent of a Pokéball. Ash asks, "What is it?"

Turo explains, "An invention of mine. A Tera Orb. Throw it at Pikachu in order to utilize the Terastal Phenomenon."

Ash is confused. "What now?"

Asimov asserts, "Just do it!"

"Okay…" Ash holds out the Tera Orb, which begins to glow. Energy suddenly explodes from it. The recoil of the unexpected burst of energy knocks Ash's hand back, but he fights to regain control. The shockwave created turns Ash's hat around backwards. He throws the orb. "Go, Tera Orb!"

The Tera Orb explodes with shimmering energy above Pikachu. Pikachu becomes encased by a wall of crystals, which quickly explode away to reveal that Pikachu itself is now coated in yellow crystal. Refracted light from the crystals glimmer and sparkle about Pikachu's feet. Atop its head is a crystal crown resembling a lightbulb. "Pikaaaaaa!"

Brenda gasps. "Whoa! What just happened!?"

Turo explains, "The Terastal Phenomenon was activated. Pikachu has been transformed into an Electric Tera Type. This means that all its Electric-Type moves will be more powerful."

Brock comments, "The crystal facets…they're mesmerizing…"

Ash gets a boost of confidence from seeing Pikachu's new form. "Okay, Pikachu! Let's test out this new power! Thunderbolt!"

"Pikaaaaaaaa chuuuuuuuu!" The electric bolt emerges from Pikachu larger than ever. It seems to carry a certain gem-like brilliance in its light. The lightning strikes Iron Jugulis and blasts it away. It's several moments before the futuristic Pokémon can recover.

Ash cheers, "That was incredible!"

Iron Jugulis recovers from the electrocution. Its focus is now entirely on Ash and Pikachu. It shrieks as it flies at Pikachu. From its extra mouths, it fires two Dark Pulses. The sinister purple energy is aimed at Pikachu.

Ash urges, "Out of the way!" But Iron Jugulis attacked too fast, and Pikachu is caught by the twin Dark Pulses.

"Pikaaa!"

"Pikachu, get back up and try Electroweb again!" Pikachu is able to spring back up and send another, this time bigger and thicker, electric net at its target.

Iron Jugulis roars and flaps its wings. The motion creates scythes of wind in the form of Air Slash which cut right through the Electroweb and strike Pikachu once more before it can dodge.

Ash grunts. "Quick Attack to get behind it! Then Thunderbolt!"

"Pik pik pik pik!" Pikachu uses a burst of speed to outmaneuver Iron Jugulis and get behind it. "Pikaaaaa—" It starts its Thunderbolt, only to realize that Iron Jugulis has been able to track it and is already firing two Hyper Beams at Pikachu. "Chu!" Pikachu is blasted away by the attacks.

Brenda cries, "It doesn't matter how much more powerful Pikachu's attacks are if it can't land a hit in the first place! Pikachu can't take much more of this! It needs help!"

Brock points out, "But we already know our Pokémon will be worthless against that thing without Terastalization! This artificial Pokémon is terrifyingly strong!"

This seems to give Turo an idea. "That's it! Asimov, call on Golett and Golurk to help us restrain Iron Jugulis. Perhaps other artificial Pokémon will fare better against it!"

Asimov nods. He speaks into his wrist unit, "Activate Golett 2.0 and Golurk 2.0. Capture mode. Target: Iron Jugulis."

In what's left of the lab, the eyes on the two Tennoan Pokémon suddenly light up as their bodies begin to move. After a second of booting up, the two Pokémon move forward in unison. Using their built-in jetpacks, Golett and Golurk fly straight up through the partially collapsed roof.

Once clear of the wreckage, they spot Pikachu battling Iron Jugulis. They lock on to their target and fly down to it. With Iron Jugulis' focus on Pikachu, they easily get behind the futuristic Pokémon and each one grabs one of its arms in their powerful pincer-hands.

Iron Jugulis roars and flails about. Its thrashing is enough to fling the two robots away.

Asimov orders, "Tandem attack: Charge Beam!" Both robotic Pokémon recover quickly and fire a beam of electricity from their chest. The two attacks strike Iron Jugulis from either side.

Ash shouts, "Pikachu, add your Thunderbolt!"

"Pikaaaaa chuuuuu!" Now three powerful Electric attacks hit Iron Jugulis from three different directions. It proves to be difficult for even the robot Pokémon to handle. It shrieks with what can only be a combination of pain and anger. But it's quick to adapt. It swipes its arms outwards as it uses Hyper Beam. The two powerful beams sweep across all three of its opponents.

Asimov urges, "We have to restrain it!"

Ash agrees, "I don't see any other option!"

Asimov commands, "Capture attack: Magnet Bomb!"

Ash adds, "Electroweb!"

First, Golett and Golurk each summon an array of metallic projectiles that are flung at Iron Jugulis. The two sets of projectiles are each flung at one of Iron Jugulis' arms. As they hurtle towards their target, the magnet projectiles lock together. When they hit the robot's arms, Iron Jugulis is forced back towards the metal wall behind it. The Magnet Bombs create shackles that bind the metallic Pokémon's arms to the metal wall behind it.

Then comes Pikachu's Electroweb. The Tera-powered net adds a second layer of entrapment over Iron Jugulis, who this time is unable to stop the attack before becoming tangled by the web. It struggles to free itself, but the two-fold containment hinders its movement too much for it to be able to do anything.

Ash grins. "Okay, Pikachu! Now it can't move! Let's finish this! Volt Tackle! This could be our last attack, so give it everything you've got!"

"Pika!" Pikachu runs at the trapped foe. "Pika pika pika pika pika pika pika…" Electricity coats it as it runs. The electric coat is larger than ever before. Large sparks fly off of Pikachu as it runs. The electricity coating it interplays with the light of the crystals already surrounding Pikachu to create a dazzling light show as it runs. "…pika pika pika chuuuuuu!" Pikachu rams into Iron Jugulis headfirst with thunderous impact. The Tera Jewel atop its head, which was the first thing to hit Iron Jugulis, shatters from the force of the impact, adding to its power. The Electroweb and Magnet Bombs are immediately blasted away by the crash.

Pikachu, no longer Terastallized, skids to a halt after landing back on the ground. It looks to Iron Jugulis with caution. The future Pokémon has fallen to the ground without its restraints. Its entire body has gone limp, and its lit segments no longer glow. It has been defeated.

Pikachu breathes a sigh of relief as everyone cheers. Varoom squeaks with excitement as it drives about in circles around Asimov to celebrate.

Iron Jugulis has been locked in a metal box, with only its head exposed. Brenda approaches the trapped Pokémon cautiously. "Wow. It really is a robotic Hydreigon. Just like the magazine said." Iron Jugulis suddenly roars and tries to thrash about, causing the metal box to shake. Brenda leaps back in fright. But it didn't make any difference. Iron Jugulis is unable to escape its prison. Once recovered from the jump scare, she grins smugly at the others. "Guess I'm not so gullible after all."

Ash shrugs. "You got lucky."

Brock comments, "If this one exists, I wonder what it means about the other robot Pokémon. Or, for that matter, what about the living prehistoric Pokémon that Occulture also likes to gossip about?"

Ash asks, "Dr. Asimov, what are you going to do with it now?"

"I see now what a fool I was for taking the thing from Area Zero to begin with. I shall return it to Professor Turo, who can act as a proper steward."

Brock asks, "So Professor Turo, did you actually know that this thing existed all along?"

Turo is staring at Iron Jugulis and seems to not notice Brock's question at first. After a moment, he turns his attention and answers, "Yes. I was the one who discovered the species. You three must promise to keep this secret. The world is not yet ready to know of the hidden treasure of Area Zero."

Ash nods. "Your secret is safe with us."

Turo nods. "Good. I need more time to study creatures such as this one. After today, I believe that my previous hypothesis might have been in error."

Brenda asks, "What hypothesis was that?"

Turo shakes his head. "It is of no concern to you." He looks to Asimov. "Asimov, you were one of my brightest pupils. I am both pleased to see your accomplishments, but also disappointed by your foolishness."

Asimov averts his eyes from Turo's. "Professor Turo…I am sorry."

"But nonetheless, I am impressed by your creations." He looks to Golett and Golurk. "If the robotic Pokémon of the future truly do represent a paradise, then your creations represent our first step towards that paradise. Even after the destruction I witnessed today, it is a world that I desperately long to see more than anything else. Perhaps, one day, should I be fortunate enough, I will travel to such a paradise to see it with my own eyes."

Turo looks back to Ash, Brock, and Brenda. "Children, I thank you deeply for your assistance in this issue. I hope that each one of you is able to find your treasure."

Ash questions, "Our treasure?"

Turo nods. "Yes. It's an old tradition at the Uva Academy. Every student seeks their own treasure. I don't mean jewels and gold. I mean something of greater value than wealth could ever provide. Every person has their own treasure."

Ash nods in understanding. "I get it. My treasure is my dreams. My dreams to become a Pokémon Master!"

Turo nods. "And what a great treasure that is. Making dreams into reality is perhaps the most valuable treasure of all. Farewell, my free adventurers! I bid you adieu!" His hologram blinks away.

Far away, in the region of Paldea, in a lab deep within its Great Crater, Professor Turo stands straight up, but is completely motionless with his head slouched and his eyes open. The eyes abruptly flash black and blue again as his head perks into place.

Turo looks about the room, as if seeing the lab in a new light. He steps into an elevator and takes it down. When he steps out, he's in a magnificent domed chamber with walls made of triangular crystal panels, which in turn form a series of hexagons. The wall glimmers and sparkles so much, it's almost overwhelming. In the center of the room is a machine of unknown purpose.

Turo steps forward and stares at the machine. His emotional state is impossible to read.

He's not alone in the chamber. A Miraidon walks up alongside him and sits next to him. Without taking his eyes off the machine, Turo reaches to the side and scratches the Pokémon atop its head.

The future: by its very nature, it is impossible to know what it holds. The past: it only exists in our memories. Both hold a wealth of treasures, and it is up to us to find that treasure which means the most. Life is just one big treasure hunt.

Across the Great Crater of Paldea, Pokémon roam—both regular and robotic Pokémon from the future. An Iron Moth flies from one cliff to another, soaring over an Iron Thorns and Iron Hands are battling each other. An Iron Bundle zips by on its built-in skis. From a nearby cave, an Iron Treads rolls out at high speeds. Atop a nearby boulder, an Iron Valiant stands stoically and stares across the breathtaking views of Area Zero.

But what of the hidden treasures? The ones we never expect to find?

In the deepest depths of Area Zero is a cave filled with a rainbow of shimmering crystals. Amongst the crystals is a turtle Pokémon made of crystals itself, resembling a great indigo disk. It's Terapagos in its Terastal Form.

Watching Terapagos from atop a nearby crystal is a Pokémon wearing a large teal mask. It's Ogrepon. It quickly retreats into hiding.

Those hidden treasures lie squarely in the future, so stay tuned.

To Be Continued…